Categories
Design & Decor

Design Challenge: Guest Bathroom

Today on the blog I will be continuing our home renovation challenge by moving on to the guest bathroom. I were inspired to redecorate and to do this post after reading a blog post courtesy of mydomaine.com about, “The 22 Guest Bathroom Essentials You Never Knew You Needed”.

To redecorate in the most cost effective way possible; I wanted to work within the confines of my light oak cabinetry, brown slate-effect flooring, light warm taupe counter top, white sink, tub and toilet. I am a firm believer in a fresh coat of paint and little tweaks and additions here and there to freshen up a space.

Paint: Muslin (Benjamin Moore)
Hardware: Dakota Cup Pull in Chestnut (Restoration Hardware)
Faucet (sink): Moen Caldwell Mediterranean Bronze 2-Handle Centerset WaterSense Faucet (Lowes)
Faucet (shower): Moen Caldwell Spot Resist WaterSense Tub and Shower Valve in Mediterranean Bronze (Lowes)
Backsplash: Smart Tiles -Subway (Lowes)
Lighting: Feiss Barrington 37″ Wide Bronze Four Light Bath Bar (Lamps Plus)
Towel Rack: Banbury 24 in. Double Towel Bar in Mediterranean Bronze (Home Depot)
Toilet Paper Holder: Design House Recessed Toilet Paper Holder (Amazon)
Wastebasket: Farmhouse Torched Wood Waste Basket (Amazon)
Countertop Accessories/Decoration: Mason Jars (Etsy)
Kleenex Box Cover: Rustic Wood Box (Amazon)
Linens: Salviken Bath Sheet, Bath Towel & Hand Towels (Ikea)
Bathmat: Toftbo (Ikea)
Wall Art: Deer Silhouette (Black Forest Decor)

Categories
Food & Drink

What’s in my grocery cart? Costco Edition

Costco is awesome; what’s not to like?!?! As, Good Cheap Eats points out…

1. Lowest prices on household staples
2. Ability and ease to buy in bulk
3. Discounts on health care items, tires, appliances, homewares, tools, clothes and much more
4. Selection of healthy items
5. Cash back
6. Food court
7. Funky food items you can’t always find elsewhere
8. Excellent return policy

Our favourite…free samples of course!!

I was in heaven when a Costco opened up 35 minutes away; prior to that the Costco runs were limited.

aluminum black and white business cart
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

So what are our staples? What can you find in our Costco carts on a regular basis?

-Babybel cheese
-Mini hummus packs
-Mini guacamole packs
-Skotidakis Skyr Greek yogurt
-Mini cucumbers
-Mini bell peppers
-Nectarines
-Blueberries
-Golden Kiwis
-Everything bagels
-Van Houtte house blend (medium roast) Keurig cups
-Chicken breasts
-Pepsi
-Cat litter
-Robax
-Advil
-Reactine

Latest Best Buy(s):
Soda Stream
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Sharp TV

Categories
Health & Beauty

Long Hair, Don’t Care: Long Hair Guide

Long hair has always been my thing. However, it can be a pain to style and maintain. I have never been super adventurous with my hair, except for that time when I dyed it blonde or had purple tips. I have never been great at styling my hair: more often than not it has ended up in a bun because it just gets in the way while I’m at work or it is just so darn hot out. Over the years I think I have tried every product known to woman to tame my mane. In this blog post I’ll be sharing my favorite and most effective products and tips.

Find a GOOD hairdresser
This doesn’t mean the most expensive one either! Find a hairdresser who is honest and who listens to what you want and who isn’t overly wrapped up in trying to sell you tons of expensive products (usually different ones each time you go). Find a salon who invests in continuing education and training for their employees.

Regular Maintenance & Layering
Now that you have found your hairdresser, make sure you make the effort to regularly get it trimmed and indulge in a conditioning treatment every once in a while. I used to go years, yes I said YEARS without getting my haircut. My hair is very thick, so I need layers to thin it out and give it some much needed volume.

Don’t Overwash
I used to wash (and dry) my hair EVERY morning even if it wasn’t ‘dirty’ (or greasy). I love showering in the morning because it wakes me up. But I found that all this washing just stripped my hair of moisture and made me burn through product like crazy. Now, I have a hair routine…

Day 1: Shampoo & Condition (Wintertime: hairdryer. Summertime: air dry)
            Wear down and embrace my natural waves!

Day 2: Ponytail

Day 3: Bun

Then repeat…

Brushing
Confession: I used to go to bed without brushing my hair; which seems weird since I brush my teeth every night before bed. Why wouldn’t I brush my hair?!?! Laziness plain and simple! I don’t brush it 100 times or anything, but I have noticed a difference in my hair since making the effort. It prevents knots and prevents oil build up on the scalp.

Minimize Products

a) Shampoo: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo. Best part is that this is a product that is inexpensive, works and can be found in almost every hair care aisle at the grocery/drugstore.

b) Conditioner: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. This is by far the best conditioner I have used in a long time. I am a fan of in-shower conditioners rather than leave in ones.

c) Treatment: Moisture Healing Mask by Nelson Beverly Hills. It is a go to hair product for me during the harsh Alberta winters; which I use once a week.

d) Dry Shampoo: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. This is a go to hair product for me during camping and fishing trips when normal, full, long showers aren’t always a possibility.

As you can see I don’t overload my hair with excessive products. I rarely use things like hair spray, mousse or pomade. I also only dye my hair once a year. Back in the day I would use box dyes from the drugstore but now I leave it up to the professionals. Make sure you read the labels!!